What Is Causing The Blue-Green Stains In My Bathtub?

Dear sir,

We have blue green stains in our bathtub and fixtures and are trying to find out what is causing this problem.  We ordered the Ultimate Well Water test which is the National Testing Lab WaterCheck Test.

Carolyn

Vancouver, WA

Hi Carolyn,

Please take a look at your water test results from the National Test Lab.  (Click the image to enlarge.)

You had reported issues with blue-green copper staining.  The reason is that your water's pH is very low, meaning it is very acidic and therefore corrosive to copper pipes.  When water has a low pH, it tends to eat away at metal fixtures and copper pipes, resulting in copper leeching into the water, causing blue-green copper staining.  Eventually this corrosion will give way to serious pinhole leaks in your pipes.

Fortunately, your problem is easily fixed with a neutralizer system.  A neutralizer will add alkalinity to your water, bringing its pH level up to 7.0, the level at which liquids are considered neither basic nor acidic, but neutral, i.e. pure water.

A Calcite Neutralizer Filter will neutralize your water and eliminate the corrosive effects you are experiencing in your system.  We've received reports from many customers with acidic water like yours claiming that their blue-green stains disappeared after only a few weeks of installing a neutralizer.  The neutralizer filter comes with everything you need, including necessary calcite media and simple instructions, and it is easily installed by any plumber or person familiar with basic plumbing.

Please see below for additional information.  The 1.5 CF size is good for handling homes with up to 3 bathrooms and around 4 or 5 people, but we do offer smaller and larger sizes as well.  

Neutralizer Filter
 CWS Plus Series
 1.5 Cubic Foot Size

Neutralizer Filter CWS Plus Series - 1.5 Cubic Foot Size

Raises pH and prevents copper corrosion, uses standard tank with gravel.  Rugged heavy-duty digital NSF-certified backwash control valve features fully adjustable backwash and rinse cycles, saving water and maximizing performance.  Much longer life than cartridges or upflow neutralizers.

Dimensions: 10" diameter x 61" height with valve attached   ¾" or 1” pipe connectors and heavy-duty bypass are included.

Guaranteed to neutralize your water.  Includes a free pH test kit to monitor performance.

Shipping weight:  176 lbs.  Will arrive in several boxes, all installation information is included as well.  We also offer tech-support during your installation and down the line should you need it.

Excellent warranty: 10 years on the filter tank; 5 years on the control valve. 

Read more here.

Thanks for the e-mail, Carolyn.  We hope this helps solve your problem.  Keep us updated, and don't hesitate to e-mail us at support@cleanwaterstore.com - or leave a message or comment on our Facebook page - if you have any further questions or comments.